Themes
Power and Isolation
The theme of power and isolation are integral to the plot of “Citizen Kane.” The film traces the life of Charles Foster Kane as he amasses wealth and influence, scrutinizing the repercussions of his relentless pursuit of power and the resulting isolation.
Kane's trajectory toward power commences with an inherited fortune from a gold mine. This wealth propels his quest for influence, and as he accumulates power through his media empire, the audience can get a glimpse of the isolating consequences of such pursuits. The pursuit of power, fueled by wealth, is portrayed as leading to a detachment from meaningful human connections.
Kane's newspaper empire, symbolized by the "Declaration of Principles," initially reflects his idealistic intentions. However, as he becomes more entrenched in power, his relationships deteriorate. Failed marriages and strained familial ties exemplify the toll that power takes on personal connections.
The theme of isolation is further accentuated through Kane's vast estate, Xanadu. The immense mansion symbolizes his wealth and power, yet it also embodies the emptiness and solitude accompanying Kane's success. Despite the opulence, Kane remains emotionally isolated within his mansion's expansive walls.
The non-linear narrative structure of "Citizen Kane" enriches the exploration of power and isolation. Through varied perspectives provided by those who knew Kane, the film delves into the multifaceted aspects of his character. Each viewpoint contributes to understanding Kane's isolation, emphasizing that the consequences of his pursuit of power extend beyond the personal sphere.
The scene where Kane is clapping alone during Susan Alexander's opera performance further highlights his isolation. This symbolic moment shows us how, even amid a crowd, Kane remains emotionally detached and isolated.
Through Charles Foster Kane's life, the film illuminates the corrosive impact of unwavering power ambitions on personal relationships and the ensuing isolation. The enduring relevance of the film lies in its insightful portrayal of the human costs associated with unchecked ambition and the isolation inherent in the pursuit of absolute power.
Elusiveness of Truth
The theme of the elusiveness of truth is a foundational element embedded in the film's narrative structure and character portrayals. The storyline unfolds through a non-linear approach, incorporating fragmented perspectives from various individuals acquainted with Charles Foster Kane. This technique introduces a multiplicity of subjective interpretations, complicating the audience's quest for an objective truth.
The reporter, Jerry Thompson, endeavors to unravel the meaning behind Kane's enigmatic dying word, "Rosebud." His interviews with individuals connected to Kane yield conflicting accounts, and challenge his ascertaining a singular truth. "Rosebud" becomes a symbol representing the inscrutability of Kane's life, emphasizing the elusive nature of truth in the face of comprehensive investigation.
Mirrors and reflections serve as recurrent motifs throughout the film, contributing to the overarching theme of the elusiveness of truth. Kane's life is depicted as a reflection of both public and private facets, with mirrors symbolizing the distortions and illusions inherent in the pursuit of truth. The shattered mirrors visually represent the fragmented nature of truth, resisting a cohesive reconstruction.
The film suggests that Kane's manipulation of information through his media empire exacerbates the ambiguity surrounding the truth. His "Declaration of Principles" evolves over time, reflecting a shifting commitment to truth and raising questions about the reliability of self-fashioned narratives.
The American Dream
The American Dream is a prominent theme entwined with Charles Foster Kane's life. The film scrutinizes Kane's pursuit of success, wealth, and influence, presenting the American Dream as both an aspirational force and a complex ideal.
Kane's life unfolds against the backdrop of the American Dream, starting with his humble beginnings and subsequent accumulation of wealth. The film suggests that Kane's trajectory mirrors the conventional narrative of achieving prosperity through hard work and ambition, embodying a quintessential American Dream success story.
However, as Kane amasses wealth and power, the film reveals the darker side of the American Dream. The pursuit of success becomes an isolating force, straining personal relationships and contributing to Kane's sense of emptiness. The narrative implies that the American Dream, when pursued with unchecked ambition, can lead to a hollow existence, marked by the erosion of meaningful connections.
Kane's media empire and political aspirations further reflect the multifaceted nature of the American Dream. The film depicts how the pursuit of success extends beyond personal achievements to encompass societal impact. Kane's endeavors, while initially rooted in idealistic principles, become entangled with the complexities and compromises inherent in the pursuit of power.
